The Best Ice Cream in Halifax to Try this Summer

Looking for the best ice cream in Halifax? We’ve got you covered with 10 top spots to cool down with a cone this summer.

Ice cream is a summer staple in our house. Sure, we keep a tub or two in the freezer, but there’s something about going out for a cone that just feels like summer. Whether we’re heading out for a family walk or making a special trip just for a treat, ice cream is our go-to.

I’m a big fan (so are my kids), and over the years we’ve made it a mission to try as many local spots as we can. From waterfront favourites like Cows to neighbourhood gems like Colby Cones and Jo’s Old Time Candy Shop, Halifax has no shortage of sweet options.

In this post, I’m rounding up the best ice cream in Halifax—from popular favourites to a few hidden gems—so you can find your next go-to, no matter what part of the city you’re in.

Best Ice Cream in Halifax

Whether you’re wandering downtown, spending the day along the waterfront or heading just outside the city core, Halifax has plenty of places to grab a cone. We’ve rounded up our top picks—from personal favourites to fun spots the kids will love.

Halifax Waterfront

These ice cream shops are all along the boardwalk—ideal for a sweet treat while you watch the harbour or take a family stroll.

COWS

📍1751 Lower Water Street (Cable Wharf) & 1479 Lower Water Street (Bishop’s Landing)

With two locations on the waterfront and another on Spring Garden Road, COWS is easy to find—and hard to resist. The ice cream is rich and creamy, with lots of fun flavours and even funnier names.

Wowie Cowie is a favourite in our house (though I think the name might be part of the appeal). Other kid-approved picks are PEI Apple Crisp and Cookie Moonster—and no, that’s not a typo.

My kids love that every cone comes in a waffle cone by default, but you can upgrade to an even fancier version, like a chocolate-dipped one.

You’ll usually find a line at the waterfront location, but it moves fairly quickly—and gives everyone time to decide on a flavour. The shop also has a good selection of COWS-branded merch, like fun t-shirts, Moo Chips and chocolate bars. The second waterfront location recently moved from the Salt Yard down to the former Sugah space near the hammocks, with lots of options to sit and enjoy your cone by the harbour. 

Prices: Single scoops start at $6

Black Bear Ice Cream

📍1876 Hollis St, Halifax

While the ever-popular COWS is just across the way, Black Bear is worth a stop of its own. Tucked into the Salt Yard along the Halifax waterfront, it serves up locally made ice cream with both soft serve and hard scoop options.

You’ll find plenty of flavours, plus sundaes, floats, milkshakes—and even a classic banana split. It’s an easy pick if you’re already strolling the boardwalk and want something quick but still full of flavour.

We’ve stopped here a few times during waterfront walks—it’s a great option when you want something fast without the long lines.

The Fog Company

📍108-1709 Lower Water Street, Halifax (Queen’s Marque)

If you’re after something a little different, The Fog Company is all about soft serve with a twist. It comes with all kinds of toppings, served on a cloud of cotton candy “fog” that’s definitely photo-worthy.

I’ll be honest—I’m more of a traditional ice cream fan, but this one’s a hit with kids. My friend’s daughter couldn’t stop giggling while eating hers… and definitely ended up with more on her face than in her cone. It’s fun, messy – be sure to pick up a lot of napkins – and totally unlike anything we’ve had before.

Prices: Fog cones start at $10, soft serve $6, single scoop churned ice cream $6

A Note on Sugah

Sugah used to be one of our favourite stops for ice cream on the Halifax. Sadly, it’s now permanently closed, and COWS has taken over the space.

We’ve kept it out of the main list since it’s no longer operating, but wanted to include a quick note since it’s still listed on several local websites. If you’re heading down the boardwalk hoping to find it, you’re not alone—we were surprised too.

Downtown

Exploring the city centre or visiting the Public Gardens? These spots are easy to reach and perfect for a quick stop while you’re out and about.

Dee Dees

📍5668 Cornwallis Street

What started as a family-run shop in Peggy’s Cove is now a year-round favourite in Halifax. Dee Dee’s serves handmade, small-batch ice cream using all-natural ingredients and no preservatives.

There’s always something new to try, and the flavours are anything but boring. My personal favourite is the Mexican Chocolate, but my kids liked Key Lime Pie and interestingly enough, the Peach Ginger Sorbet. In the cooler months, they also serve burritos, chili and soup—which are perfect to warm you up if you’re visiting in the cooler months.

Prices: Single scoops start at $4.20, Ice cream sandwich – $4.50

The Dairy Bar

📍 1489 South Park Street

This small soft-serve stand sits just across from the Public Gardens, and it’s an easy stop during a downtown walk. The menu rotates often, and they’re known for offering unexpected flavours alongside the classics.

I’m all about the chocolate mint—you don’t usually find that in soft serve—but you might also spot options like cinnamon coffee, banana, or a classic chocolate-vanilla twist. You can also go for a sundae or grab a vegan scoop if dairy’s not your thing.

Dartmouth & Cole Harbour

If you’re across the bridge or in the suburbs, there are still great spots to grab a cone. These neighbourhood favourites are worth the short drive—or a perfect stop after a day at one of the beaches near Halifax, like Rainbow Haven or Lawrencetown.

Colby Scoops

📍 10 Cumberland Drive, Dartmouth

Tucked in the corner of the parking lot by Jamieson’s Pub in Cole Harbour, Colby Scoops is our personal favourite. It’s our local neighbourhood spot, so yes—we’re a little biased—but once you try a cone, we think you’ll get it.

They serve Scotsburn and Chapman’s ice cream with lots of classic flavours (though on hot days, they do sell out fast). The kiddie size is more like a generous single scoop—perfect for kids and honestly, plenty for me too.

Prices: Prices start at $3.25 for a kiddie cone, cash only

Holy Cones

📍320 Flying Cloud Drive, Dartmouth

Set up in a small wooden hut in a church parking lot (yep, that’s where the name comes from), Holy Cones serves up Chapman’s ice cream during the summer months.

It’s affordable, always busy and well-loved by locals. There’s not a lot of space to sit, but this year they’ve added a few spots if you want to stay and enjoy your cone. Simple, classic and great for a quick treat if you’re in the area.

Jo’s Old Time Candy

📍36 Government Wharf Road, Eastern Passage

Located at Fisherman’s Cove in Eastern Passage, Jo’s is a favourite for its huge selection of flavours and friendly vibe. You can order right from the takeout window or head inside to check out the shelves of nostalgic candy and old-school treats.

The staff are always welcoming, and if you stop by outside of summer, they might even recognize you, and remember your order – especially if you visit as often as we do.

Grab your cone and head to the nearby picnic tables along the boardwalk, or take it to go and enjoy a walk on the longer trail at MacCormacks Beach just down the road.

You can also grab a cone at What’s the Scoop, just a few shops down the boardwalk. It’s more of a fish and chips spot (and the lobster rolls are some of the best we’ve had), but they serve ice cream too, and it’s run by the same folks as Jo’s.

Prices: Single scoops start at $4

Bedford

If you’re in Bedford or nearby, this local spot is an easy stop for soft serve and classic cones.

Chicken Little 

📍  1527 Bedford Hwy, Bedford NS B4A 1E3

Tucked along the Bedford Highway, Chicken Little is more than just a takeout spot – it’s also a go-to for ice cream. What started as a seasonal ice cream shop has grown into a year-round café and dairy bar, but in the summer months, it’s still all about the ice cream.

You can choose from hard or soft serve, with plenty of flavours to pick from. They also offer milkshakes and the Hurricane—their take on a Blizzard or McFlurry. It’s casual and fast, with picnic tables if you want to hang out and eat. The menu’s simple but hits the spot, and it’s a great choice for families looking for a low-key treat.

A Few More Ice Cream Spots in Halifax to Try

Looking for something a little different? These spots aren’t your typical ice cream shops, but they’re worth checking out for a sweet treat:

• Booza Emessa – This Syrian-style ice cream is thicker and creamier than what you might be used to, and it’s served in a rolled cone with crushed nuts. It’s especially great on hot days because it doesn’t melt as fast.
• Portland Street Creperie – One of the best spots to eat in downtown Dartmouth, and in the summer, they turn their famous crepes into bubble waffle cones. It’s the cone that makes it—plus plenty of toppings and rotating flavours.
• Pane e Circo – Located on the Halifax waterfront next to the Bicycle Thief, this spt serves creamy Italian gelato in classic flavours. A great choice if you’re after something a little more refined.

Ready to Find Your Favourite Ice Cream in Halifax?

From waterfront soft serve to neighbourhood hidden gems, Halifax has plenty of places to grab a great cone. Whether you’re into classic flavours or looking for something a little different, there’s no shortage of spots to keep cool and treat yourself.

Have a favourite ice cream place we didn’t mention? Let us know—we’re always up for trying somewhere new.

Looking for more ways to enjoy summer in Nova Scotia? Whether you’re planning a beach day, a weekend road trip or just more time outside, we’ve got plenty of ideas. Check out our guides to the best beaches near Halifax, things to do in Nova Scotia in summer, or what’s happening in Nova Scotia in July. And if you’re up for more ice cream adventures, don’t miss our full roundup of the best ice cream in Nova Scotia.